The Dubai School Games have seen significant expansion this year, with 9,000 participants and the introduction of new sports such as fencing and handball, both Olympic disciplines. For the first time, skiing and wall climbing have also been included. The 2024-25 season, launched under the patronage of the Dubai Sports Council, commenced on October 16 with a Golf Championship and will continue until June 26. Registration and participation for all events are free.
Various stakeholders emphasized the importance of accessibility in sports, ensuring that every student, regardless of background or ability, can participate, excel, and compete at some of Dubai’s most iconic venues, including Emirates Golf Club, Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Stadium, World Padel Academy, Dubai Sports World, and the Hamdan Sports Complex.
Ahmed Salem Al Mahri, director of Sports Development at the Dubai Sports Council, expressed his satisfaction with the tournament's growth, noting that it has attracted over 180 public and private schools competing in 22 different competitions, including cricket, football, tennis, handball, and fencing. He highlighted that the tournament plays a crucial role in achieving the council's policy objectives to attract and develop sporting talent, in line with the directives of the Dubai Government.
Al Mahri also pointed out that school sports tournaments represent the initial stages in the process of selecting and developing sporting talent before joining clubs. Therefore, the tournament serves as a leading platform for creating future champions in various sports.
In the 2024 Dubai Schools Games, awards will recognize top schools under two categories: '2024-25 Dubai Schools Games Champion – Primary' and '2024-25 Dubai Schools Games Champion Secondary'. This initiative aims to empower young and junior athletes by enhancing sports development in the school sector and underscores the pivotal role of schools in developing the sports movement in the country.
Dr Abdulrahman Nasser, executive director of Corporate Support Sector at Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), emphasized that schools are the foundation of the sports pyramid, as sports begin at this age group. He expressed his delight in being part of the event that has successfully brought together participants from public and private schools.
Operational partners of the event also highlighted that this year’s DSG represents a significant leap forward in integrating sports deeply into the educational fabric of Dubai. Marco Vocale, commercial director of ESM and organizers of DSG, stated that with the addition of new Olympic disciplines, they are not just hosting a competition but building a legacy. The DSG Leaderboard celebrates competitive excellence, recognizing schools’ outstanding performances.
This season’s grand finale will feature the Unified Games, an inclusive event designed for students of determination. Vocale added that the event reflects DSG’s commitment to uniting students of all abilities in a celebration of sportsmanship, inclusion, and unity.
The Games will take place at some of the most renowned sporting locations in the city, including the Hamdan Sports Complex for swimming, Dubai Sports World for basketball, badminton, and unified games, Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Stadium for tennis, Al Nasr Sports Club for football, and the iconic Expo City Dubai for cycling. Additionally, strategic alliances with retail partners like Midea, Almarai, and Dubai Schools Games will add excitement to the annual event with planned engagement activities for parents and children.
Paris Li, general manager of Midea Appliances Middle East and Africa, mentioned that they will track families who have registered and consistently come to support their children. A raffle draw will be held during the final ceremony in June, where a few families will be awarded a full range of appliances for cheering their children.
